Diagnostic Accuracy of the Truenat MTB Plus Assay and Comparison with the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay to Detect Tuberculosis among Hospital Outpatients in Cameroon.

The Truenat MTB Plus assay is a rapid molecular test that has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2020 as an initial test to detect tuberculosis (TB). The WHO highlighted the need to further evaluate assay performance to inform future recommendations, including in people living with HIV and compared to the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. We conducted a prospective evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the Truenat assay in Cameroon, a country with a high burden of HIV/TB. Adult outpatients were recruited at four hospitals; demographic information and medical history were collected, and participants produced two sputum specimens. Truenat and Xpert testing was performed on the same specimen, and performance was compared to TB culture as the reference standard. From November 2019 to December 2020, 945 participants were enrolled and included in the analysis. Among 251 participants with culture-positive TB, the sensitivity of Truenat MTB Plus was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86 to 94%), similar to Xpert (90%; 95% CI, 86 to 93%). Among 74 HIV-positive participants with culture-positive TB, the sensitivity of Truenat MTB Plus was 85% (95% CI, 75 to 92%) compared to 81% for Xpert (95% CI, 70 to 89%). Among 47 participants with smear-negative TB, the sensitivity of Truenat MTB Plus was 55% (95% CI, 40 to 70%), similar to Xpert (53%; 95% CI, 38 to 68%). The specificity of Truenat MTB Plus was 96% (95% CI, 94 to 97%) compared to 99% (95% CI, 97 to 99%) for Xpert. For TB detection compared to the reference standard of TB culture, the performance of the Truenat MTB Plus assay was similar to that of Xpert in this population, including among people living with HIV.

'Slash and clear' vector control for onchocerciasis elimination and epilepsy prevention: a protocol of a cluster randomised trial in Cameroonian villages.

INTRODUCTION: Onchocerciasis, caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, remains endemic in Cameroon despite decades of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). CDTI is often hampered by coendemicity with loiasis (another filariasis caused by Loa loa) in some areas. Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that O. volvulus infection increases the risk for onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) among Cameroonian children. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen onchocerciasis elimination programmes in mesoendemic/hyperendemic areas. Novel alternative strategies, such as the 'slash and clear' (S&C) vector control method, may be required to complement ongoing CDTI to accelerate elimination of transmission. The short-term impact of S&C on the biting rates of the blackfly vectors has been demonstrated in other settings. However, its long-term effectiveness and impact on parasitological and serological markers of onchocerciasis transmission as well as on OAE are still unknown. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We aim to assess the effectiveness of annual S&C interventions combined with CDTI in reducing onchocerciasis transmission and epilepsy incidence. Eight onchocerciasis-endemic villages located <5 km from the Mbam or Sanaga rivers will be randomised to two arms: four villages will receive yearly CDTI only for two consecutive years (Arm 1), while the other four villages will receive CDTI plus annual S&C for 2 years (Arm 2). Study outcomes (blackfly biting rates, infectivity rates and seroprevalence of onchocerciasis antibodies (Ov16 antibodies) in children, prevalence of microfilaridermia and epilepsy incidence) will be monitored prospectively and compared across study arms. We expect that S&C will have an added benefit over CDTI alone. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has received ethical approval from the institutional review board of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (reference number: IRB2021-03) and has been registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. Findings will be disseminated at national and international levels via meetings and peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PACTR202101751275357.

Fear and depression during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon: a nation-wide observational study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with significant psychological and social distress worldwide. We investigated fear and depression among adults in Cameroon during different phases of the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in Cameroon from June-December 2020 using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic data and information regarding COVID-19 history were obtained. Fear and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 score (FCV-19S) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Responses were clustered in weeks to better appreciate their evolution over time. RESULTS: Overall, 7381 responses from all ten regions of Cameroon were analysed (median age: 30 years, 73.3% male). The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) was 8.4%, and that of high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S scores ≥19) was 57.4%. These rates were similar across genders, age-groups, and region of residence. While mean weekly PHQ-9 scores remained fairly stable throughout the study period (range: 2.53-3.21; p = 0.101), mean FCV-19S scores were highest during the early weeks but decreased significantly thereafter (from 20.31 to 18.34; p <  0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that having a postgraduate degree, a history of quarantine, flu-like symptoms during the past 14 days, and higher FCV-19S scores were associated with more severe depressive symptoms, while obtaining COVID-19 information from various sources reduced the odds for depression. CONCLUSION: Depression amidst the COVID-19 crisis is less prevalent in Cameroon than in other countries. Prompt and widespread dissemination of adequate COVID-19 information may reduce the risks for depression by dispelling fear and anxiety among Cameroonians.

COVID-19 Preventive Behaviours in Cameroon: A Six-Month Online National Survey.

Since March 2020, the Cameroonian government implemented nationwide measures to stall COVID-19 transmission. However, little is known about how well these unprecedented measures are being observed as the pandemic evolves. We conducted a six-month online survey to assess the preventive behaviour of Cameroonian adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. A five-point adherence score was constructed based on self-reported observance of the following preventive measures: physical distancing, face mask use, hand hygiene, not touching one's face, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Predictors of adherence were investigated using ordinal logistic regression models. Of the 7381 responses received from all ten regions, 73.3% were from male respondents and overall mean age was 32.8 ± 10.8 years. Overall mean adherence score was 3.96 ± 1.11 on a scale of 0-5. Mean weekly adherence scores were initially high, but gradually decreased over time accompanied by increasing incidence of COVID-19 during the last study weeks. Predictors for higher adherence included higher age, receiving COVID-19 information from health personnel, and agreeing with the necessity of lockdown measures. Meanwhile, experiencing flu-like symptoms was associated with poor adherence. Continuous observance of preventive measures should be encouraged among Cameroonians in the medium- to long-term to avoid a resurgence in COVID-19 infections.

Cancer and COVID-19 Experiences at African Cancer Centers: The Silver Lining.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer care in Africa, further exposing major health disparities. This paper compares and contrasts the experiences of 15 clinicians in six different African cancer centers to highlight the positive aspects (silver linings) in an otherwise negative situation. METHODS: Data are from personal experience of the clinicians working at the six cancer centers blended with what is available in the literature. RESULTS: The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care appeared to vary not only across the continent but also over cancer centers. Different factors such as clinic location, services offered, available resources, and level of restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 were associated with these variations. Collectively, delays in treatment and limited access to cancer care were commonly reported in the different regions. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of data on cancer patients with COVID-19 and online COVID-19 and cancer registries for Africa. Analysis of the available data, however, suggests a higher mortality rate for cancer patients with COVID-19 compared with those without cancer. Positive or silver linings coming out of the pandemic include the adoption of hypofractionated radiation therapy and teleoncology to enhance access to care while protecting patients and staff members. Increasing collaborations using online technology with oncology health professionals across the world are also being seen as a silver lining, with valuable sharing of experiences and expertise to improve care, enhance learning, and reduce disparities. Advanced information and communication technologies are seen as vital for such collaborations and could avail efforts in dealing with the ongoing pandemic and potential future crises.

Diagnostic yield of gastrointestinal endoscopy in North West Region Cameroon and trends in diagnosis over time.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an important modality for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disease, but there are limited data regarding the diagnostic yield of endoscopy in Cameroon and changes in the prevalence of endoscopic findings over time. Our aims were to describe the diagnostic utility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, the impact of periodic on-site mentorship on cecal intubation rate and changes in the prevalence of common upper gastrointestinal findings when compared to a similar report from our region published in 1990. METHODS: Retrospective review of all EGD and colonoscopy procedures performed during 2015 at a regional referral hospital in North West Region, Cameroon, with comparison to EGD findings reported by Dent and colleagues in 1990. During the year 3 endoscopists provided periodic colonoscopy mentorship. RESULTS: Among 1,371 EGDs, abnormalities were found in 59.7% and therapeutic interventions (most commonly esophageal stricture dilation or band ligation of varices) were performed in 137 (10%). When compared to 25 years previously, peptic ulcer disease was less common and esophagitis was more common (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001). The prevalence of malignancy (2.2%) was similar. Among 380 colonoscopies diagnostic findings were seen in 60.5%, including colorectal malignancies in 5.8%. Cecal intubation rate improved from 32% to 89% during the one-year study period. CONCLUSION: EGD and colonoscopy have a diagnostic yield of about 60% in symptomatic patients in North West Region, Cameroon. When compared to 1990 peptic ulcer disease was less common and esophagitis was more common. Periodic on-site mentorship was associated with improved physician performance of colonoscopy.

Peritoneal Dialysis for AKI in Cameroon: Commercial vs Locally-Made Solutions.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in low- and middle-income countries, and is associated with a high mortality. The high mortality rate is in large part due to the inability to perform dialysis in resource-limited settings. Due to significant cost advantages, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been used to treat AKI in these settings. The costs, however, remain high when commercial solutions are used. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of the outcome, and of the peritonitis rates, of patients with AKI treated with either commercially manufactured PD solutions or locally-made PD solutions. A program to treat AKI with PD was started at Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Cameroon. Between May 2013 and January 2015, solutions and connection sets were provided by the Saving Young Lives Program. From January 2015 through March 2017, solutions were locally produced and available tubing was used. RESULTS: Mortality in hospitalized AKI patients was 28% during the period when commercial solutions and tubing were utilized, and 33% when locally produced solutions and available tubing were utilized. In both groups, peritonitis occurred in 16% of treatment courses. CONCLUSIONS: Locally produced PD solutions, used with locally available tubing, were used to treat AKI with PD. The mortality and peritonitis rates were similar whether locally produced or commercial supplies were used.

Peritoneal Dialysis to Treat Patients with Acute Kidney Injury-The Saving Young Lives Experience in West Africa: Proceedings of the Saving Young Lives Session at the First International Conference of Dialysis in West Africa, Dakar, Senegal, December 2015.

In December 2015, as part of the First African Dialysis Conference organized in Dakar, Senegal, 5 physicians from West African countries who have participated in the Saving Young Lives Program reviewed their experiences establishing peritoneal dialysis (PD) programs to treat patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Thus far, nearly 200 patients have received PD treatment in these countries. The interaction and discussion amongst the participants at the meeting was meaningful and informative. The presentations highlighted the creativity, conviction, and determination of the physicians in overcoming the various barriers and challenges they encountered to establish PD/AKI programs. Hopefully, these successes and the increased awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of AKI will inspire much needed support from government, hospital, and international organizations.

Characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa: a multicountry observational study from the Africa Liver Cancer Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related death in Africa, but there is still no comprehensive description of the current status of its epidemiology in Africa. We therefore initiated an African hepatocellular carcinoma consortium aiming to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa. METHODS: We did a multicentre, multicountry, retrospective observational cohort study, inviting investigators from the African Network for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases to participate in the consortium to develop hepatocellular carcinoma research databases and biospecimen repositories. Participating institutions were from Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Clinical information-demographic characteristics, cause of disease, liver-related blood tests, tumour characteristics, treatments, last follow-up date, and survival status-for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma between Aug 1, 2006, and April 1, 2016, were extracted from medical records by participating investigators. Because patients from Egypt showed differences in characteristics compared with patients from the other countries, we divided patients into two groups for analysis; Egypt versus other African countries. We undertook a multifactorial analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model to identify factors affecting survival (assessed from the time of diagnosis to last known follow-up or death). FINDINGS: We obtained information for 2566 patients at 21 tertiary referral centres (two in Egypt, nine in Nigeria, four in Ghana, and one each in the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda). 1251 patients were from Egypt and 1315 were from the other African countries (491 from Ghana, 363 from Nigeria, 277 from Ivory Coast, 59 from Cameroon, 51 from Sudan, 33 from Ethiopia, 21 from Tanzania, and 20 from Uganda). The median age at which hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed significantly later in Egypt than the other African countries (58 years [IQR 53-63] vs 46 years [36-58]; p<0·0001). Hepatitis C virus was the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt (1054 [84%] of 1251 patients), and hepatitis B virus was the leading cause in the other African countries (597 [55%] of 1082 patients). Substantially fewer patients received treatment specifically for hepatocellular carcinoma in the other African countries than in Egypt (43 [3%] of 1315 vs 956 [76%] of 1251; p<0·0001). Among patients with survival information (605 [48%] of 1251 in Egypt and 583 [44%] of 1315 in other African countries), median survival was shorter in the other African countries than in Egypt (2·5 months [95% CI 2·0-3·1] vs 10·9 months [9·6-12·0]; p<0·0001). Factors independently associated with poor survival were: being from an African countries other than Egypt (hazard ratio [HR] 1·59 [95% CI 1·13-2·20]; p=0·01), hepatic encephalopathy (2·81 [1·72-4·42]; p=0·0004), diameter of the largest tumour (1·07 per cm increase [1·04-1·11]; p<0·0001), log α-fetoprotein (1·10 per unit increase [1·02-1·20]; p=0·0188), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 3-4 (2·92 [2·13-3·93]; p<0·0001) and no treatment (1·79 [1·44-2·22]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma differ between Egypt and other African countries. The proportion of patients receiving specific treatment in other African countries was low and their outcomes were extremely poor. Urgent efforts are needed to develop health policy strategies to decrease the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa. FUNDING: None.

Prediabetes and diabetes among HIV-infected adults in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and certain antiretrovirals are associated with diabetes. Few studies have examined the prevalence of and factors associated with diabetes among HIV-infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in sub-Saharan Africa; some report prevalence estimates between 3.5-26.5% for diabetes in Cameroon and 20.2-43.5% for prediabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, HIV-infected individuals (16-65 years old) were screened for diabetes using haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ). We further categorized HbA1C as normoglycemia (HbA1c < 5.7%), prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) or diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%). Dysglycemia was defined as HbA1c ≥ 5.7%. Logistic regression modelling was used to assess factors associated with having dysglycemia. RESULTS: Of 500 participants, 363 (72.6%) were female. Median age was 42.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 36.5-49.5]. Nineteen patients (3.8%) had diabetes and 170 patients (34%) were classified as having prediabetes. One hundred nine (22%) had a CD4+ count <200 cells/mm(3) , and 464 (93%) had received >28 days of ART at time of screening. Median abdominal circumference for women was 79.5 cm (IQR: 75.5-85.3) and for men, 86.5 cm (IQR: 81.7-90.5). Adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status, CD4 cell count, being on cART >28 days, body mass index, hypertension, history of hypertension, abdominal circumference and duration of HIV infection, larger abdominal circumference was associated with higher prevalence of prediabetes or diabetes (adjusted odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.11), while being on cART (adjusted odds ratio = 0.46, confidence interval: 0.22-0.99) was associated with lower prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of dysglycemia among Cameroonian HIV-infected adults. Larger abdominal circumference was associated with higher prevalence, while cART was associated with lower prevalence. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence and predictors of proteinuria in HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Proteinuria during pregnancy has been associated with increased pregnancy complications. Furthermore, even low-grade proteinuria has been associated with increased mortality in the general population and in non-pregnant HIV-infected women. METHODS: Urine dipstick protein was measured prospectively on HIV-infected and trace protein or more and quantified by urine protein:creatinine measurement (P:C). Logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with proteinuria. RESULTS: About 199 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and 190 HIV-uninfected normotensive pregnant women were evaluated. The median age was 27 years in both groups and 37% presented in the third trimester. Among HIV-infected women, median CD4 cell count was 417 cells/mm(3); 27% were on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Proteinuria was present in 39.2% of HIV-infected and 20.9% of uninfected women (P < 0.001). HIV infection was independently associated with proteinuria [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.45; confidence interval (CI) = 1.56-3.85]. Among HIV-infected pregnant women, cART was protective (adjusted OR = 0.39; CI = 0.19-0.82). Results were qualitatively similar when urine P:C was evaluated as a continuous outcome variable. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of low-grade proteinuria in both HIV-infected and -uninfected Cameroonian pregnant women is high. HIV-infected pregnant women are at increased risk for proteinuria, and cART appears to exert a protective effect. Further studies are needed to elucidate the causes of increased proteinuria in African pregnant women, both HIV-infected and -uninfected.

Factors associated with decreased kidney function in HIV-infected adults enrolled in the MTCT-Plus Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Pre-existing kidney disease in HIV-infected patients may necessitate dose modification of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite increasing ART availability, there are few prevalence studies of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected individuals across multiple African countries. METHODS: Routine laboratory data obtained before ART initiation were used to evaluate prevalence and predictors of decreased creatinine clearance (CrCl) in participants of the MTCT-Plus Initiative from 7 sub-Saharan countries. Cockcroft-Gault equation was used to estimate CrCl and logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with CrCl <50 mL/min. RESULTS: Of 2495 individuals evaluated, median age was 30 years (interquartile range: 27-35); 70% were women. Median CD4+ cell count was 295 (interquartile range: 173-450); 78% were World Health Organization stage 1/2. Median CrCl was 95 mL/min. Overall, 3.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7 to 4.1] of patients had a CrCl <50 mL/min. Age >30 years (odds ratio = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.45) and CD4+ count <50 cells per cubic millimeter (odds ratio = 5.4 for CD4+ <50, 95% CI: 2.5 to 11.9) were associated with CrCl <50 mL/min. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of clinically significant kidney disease was low in this relatively healthy population of HIV-infected adults, and few participants would have required ART dose reductions. These findings support recent World Health Organization guidelines to initiate ART without routine laboratory screening. Our findings suggest that available laboratory resources could be targeted to older persons and those with very low CD4+ cell count.

Image-directed fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid with safety-engineered devices.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to integrate safety-engineered devices into outpatient fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the thyroid in an interventional radiology practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The practice center is a tertiary referral center for image-directed FNA thyroid biopsies in difficult patients referred by the primary care physician, endocrinologist, or otolaryngologist. As a departmental quality of care and safety improvement program, we instituted integration of safety devices into our thyroid biopsy procedures and determined the effect on outcome (procedural pain, diagnostic biopsies, inadequate samples, complications, needlesticks to operator, and physician satisfaction) before institution of safety devices (54 patients) and after institution of safety device implementation (56 patients). Safety devices included a patient safety technology-the mechanical aspirating syringe (reciprocating procedure device), and a health care worker safety technology (antineedlestick safety needle). RESULTS: FNA of thyroid could be readily performed with the safety devices. Safety-engineered devices resulted in a 49% reduction in procedural pain scores (P < 0.0001), a 56% reduction in significant pain (P < 0.002), a 21% increase in operator satisfaction (P < 0.0001), and a 5% increase in diagnostic specimens (P = 0.5). No needlesticks to health care workers or patient injuries occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Safety-engineered devices to improve both patient and health care worker safety can be successfully integrated into diagnostic FNA of the thyroid while maintaining outcomes and improving safety.

Highly controlled vascular syringes for pericardiocentesis.

OBJECTIVES: The present study determined the utility and needle control characteristics of highly controlled vascular syringes for image-guided pericardiocentesis. BACKGROUND: Vascular syringes have been integrated into invasive cardiovascular procedures with improved patient safety, but to date have not been used in pericardiocentesis. To address this issue, we determined the method of use of vascular syringes for pericardiocentesis. METHODS: A vascular syringe with reciprocating plungers, the reciprocating procedure device (RPD syringe), replaced the corresponding 10 ml and 20 ml conventional syringes in a standard pericardiocentesis tray. The vascular syringe is controlled with one hand, and can either aspirate or inject by pushing the corresponding aspiration or injection plunger. Four hundred and thirty seven subjects underwent vascular syringe procedures. The linear displacement method was used to precisely measure control of the needle tip in millimeters (mm) in vascular syringes compared to conventional syringes in 20 individual operators. RESULTS: Relative to the corresponding 10 ml and 20 ml conventional syringes, vascular syringes significantly reduced unintended forward penetration of the needle tip by 44% (7.0 ± 4.3 mm; p < 0.0001) and 53% (10.1 ± 5.5 mm; p < 0.0001), respectively, and reduced unintended retraction of the needle by 56% (2.7 ± 2.2 mm; p < 0.001) and 60% (3.5 ± 2.5 mm; p < 0.001), respectively. During pericardiocentesis, the mechanical syringe permitted facile one-handed aspiration and maintained the operator's ability to clear the needle. In the 437 vascular syringe procedures, there were no complications, with an estimated cost savings of $10-65 per procedure. CONCLUSION: Vascular syringes improve needle control in pericardiocentesis, promote patient safety and permit one-handed aspiration and injection.

Integration of new safety technologies for needle aspiration of breast cysts.

INTRODUCTION: National and international regulatory agencies and professional societies mandate systematic improvements in both the safety of patients and heath care workers (HCW), including the integration of safety technologies into the procedures of obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using national resources for patient safety and literature review, these safety technologies were identified: (1) a safety needle to reduce needle sticks to HCW, and (2) the reciprocating procedure device (RPD) to reduce injuries to patients. These technologies were introduced in a trial fashion into routine breast cyst aspiration, and physician responses were determined. RESULTS: The safety needle presented a number of difficulties associated with the safety sheath, but could be used efficiently for breast cyst aspiration. The RPD safety device functioned well for breast aspiration procedures and was well accepted by physicians. CONCLUSIONS: New safety technologies can be successfully evaluated and introduced into the clinic to improve patient and HCW safety during outpatient breast procedures. Since these technologies have been demonstrated to decrease injuries to patients and HCW by 60-70%, serious efforts should be undertaken to systematically integrate safety technologies into the routine practice, including aspiration of breast cysts.

Integration of patient safety technologies into sclerotherapy for varicose veins.

The American College of Surgeons, the Joint Commission, the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration all direct surgical departments, including vascular surgeons who supply sclerotherapy services, to develop formal mechanisms to improve the safety of the patient and health care worker (HCW), including integration of new safety technologies. The purpose of the present study was to identify and evaluate new safety technologies for outpatient sclerotherapy for chronic venous disease. Using national resources for patient safety and literature review, the following safety technologies were identified: (1) a safety needle to reduce inadvertent needlesticks to workers, and (2) the reciprocating procedure device (RPD) to reduce iatrogenic injuries to patients. Both devices were evaluated in the clinic, and physician responses were determined. Although the safety sheath of the needle was somewhat bulky and could interfere with the ultrasound transducer, sclerotherapy could be performed with it. The RPD safety device required instruction to show how the RPD functioned ("push-push" to aspirate-inject with the RPD rather than the usual "push-pull" with the conventional syringe), but the RPD permitted better needle control and more precise injections. The RPD was well accepted by physicians who found it to be convenient, safer, and less painful. Subsequently, the involved services successfully integrated these safety technologies into their routine clinical practices. As recommended by the Joint Commission, safety technologies can be successfully evaluated and introduced into the clinic to improve patient and HCW safety during physician-performed syringe and needle procedures, including sclerotherapy.

Salivary gland disease in HIV/AIDS and primary Sjögren's syndrome: analysis of collagen I distribution and histopathology in American and African patients.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland disease (SGD) in HIV/AIDS is clinically and histopathologically very similar to Sjögren's Syndrome (SS), although the mechanism of tissue damage is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of SGD in primary SS and in HIV/AIDS in USA and in West African patients, and to seek distinguishing histopathologic features that may help to elucidate underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Histologic sections of minor salivary glands from 164 HIV-positive and -negative patients from Cameroon and the US, and from 17 US patients with primary SS, were evaluated following salivary gland biopsy for inflammatory changes. To confirm the presence of fibrosis, collagen I, which is the most abundant collagen type, was assessed immunohistochemically in H&E-stained sections. RESULTS: Forty-eight per cent of patients with HIV from Cameroon had severe SGD, while it was only in 6% of patients from the US. Patients with HIV in the US had less fibrosis and collagen I deposits than Cameroonians. Seventy-six per cent of US HIV-positive patients had received anti-retroviral therapy, while none of the African patients had. SS and AIDS patients had a tendency for lymphocytes to locate in a perivascular rather than in a periductal distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SGD and the presence of fibrosis and collagen I in Cameroonians with HIV is significantly higher than in HIV-positive American patients, and is similar to US patients with primary SS. The impact of patient selection, anti-retroviral therapy, and pathogenic mechanisms on salivary gland pathology is discussed.